Qhmtf

ABSTRACT

A Laurel oak tree ( Quercus hemisphaerica ) named “QHMTF” having a compact habit with dense canopy, vigorous growth rate, shiny rich dark green foliage in summer, and semi-evergreen holding leaves until late spring and also capable of being reproduced reliably from vegetative cuttings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of LaurelOak Tree (Quercus hemisphaerica), which I have named “QHMTF”.

Discovery: I discovered my new tree in November of 2005 growing as aseedling in a production field in Loganville, Walton County, Ga., amonga group of cultivated Laurel oak trees. These trees were grown frombare-root seedlings purchased in the winter of 2000 from a nursery inFlorida. In the winter of 2003, these liners were relocated from theliner field to a production field. It was here that I discovered“QHMTF”. Evaluation of this tree continues in this field in WaltonCounty, Loganville, Ga.

Propagation: “QHMTF” was asexually propagation from softwood cuttingsand resulting progeny has proven the characteristics of my new varietyto be genetically stable. Furthermore, these observations have confirmedthat my new variety represents a new and improved variety of Laurel oaktree as particularly evidenced by the compact habit with dense canopy,vigorous growth rate, and shiny, rich, dark green foliage in summer andholding onto leaves until spring. These genetic traits can beconsistently reproduced by asexual propagation.

Uniqueness: “QHMTF” was discovered in a block of seedling Laurel oaktrees purchased by a nursery from a supplier of liners in Florida. Iclaim that the genetic characteristics of this tree are the result ofnaturally occurring cross-pollination. Due to the nature of the seedlingpurchase, comparison of surrounding cross pollinators is not possible.The characteristics of my new tree distinguish it from other typicalseedling Laurel oak tree and the known cultivars. At the time this treewas selected, I observed “QHMTF” Laurel oak tree as a 2″ caliper treeexhibiting a compact, dense canopy, dominant central leader, and shiny,dark green foliage. The remainder of the trees in the block hadirregular structure and medium green foliage color.

Use: “QHMTF” was observed for a period of several years and is believedto be particularly useful for street tree planting and in large areassuch as golf courses, commercial sites and parks. “QHMTF” will alsobenefit growers who will profit from a fast growing tree with consistentform.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Background: A Laurel oak tree is native to coastal plain and piedmontareas from southern New Jersey to Florida to east Texas and SoutheastArkansas. It thrives in the heat and humidity of the Southeast and canbe found in established dune areas, scrub oak, sandhills, stream banksand occasionally in mixed woods. Laurel oak prefer moist, well-drainedsoils in these areas but adapt readily to harsh conditions. This speciesis typically pyramidal-rounded with ultimate height of 40 to 60 feet andspreads of 30 to 40 feet. My new cultivar differs from the species inthat it is asexually reproduced, has a compact habit, dense canopy andpronounced foliage colors. The ultimate height and width of “QHMTF” isnot known. I expect my new variety of Laurel oak tree to perform as wellas the species.

Industry Representation: A cultivated Laurel oak tree is predominatelyrepresented in the industry by seedling material reproduced by acorn.This accounts for a high degree of variability in the industry, both inthe landscape industry and the nursery industry. Seedling Laurel oaktrees are variable in growth rate and habit, typically do not have acentral leader, and tend to be open in youth. At time of submission, Iam not aware of any other commercially available cultivar Laurel oaktrees. “QHMTF” has a vertical habit and distinct foliage of lustrousdark green in summer, and holding onto leaves until late spring whichmake my selection uniquely different seedlings at time of submittal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographs depict the color of the tree and foliage ofmy new variety as nearly as is reasonably possibly to make the same in acolor illustration of this character.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of the parent tree taken in the summer at anobservation area showing form and habit;

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the tree in the fall showing variations infall color and branch structure;

FIG. 3 is a photograph of the interior canopy of the parent tree;

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the bark of the tree at five inch calipershowing color and smoothness of my new variety;

FIG. 5 is a field row shot of progeny taken at 5 inch caliper; and

FIG. 6 is a photograph of the dark green foliage of the progeny.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

-   Botanical description of the plant: The following is a detailed    description of “QHMTF” Laurel oak with color terminology in    accordance with The Royal Horticulture Society (R.H.S.) color chart    except where the context indicates a term having its ordinary    dictionary meaning. My new tree has been observed under all growing    conditions, and variations may occur as a result of different    growing conditions. All progeny of my new variety, insofar as have    been observed, have remained genetically stable in all    characteristics described hereinafter. Other than as set out    hereinafter, as of this time, no other characteristics have been    observed which are different from common Laurel oak trees, which    have been observed by the inventor.-   Parentage: Naturally occurring cross-pollinated seedling of (Quercus    hemisphaerica) grown from bare-root liner purchased in the winter of    2001 from a nursery in Florida.-   Locality where grown and observed: “QHMTF” Laurel oak trees are    currently in production at a nursery in Walton County, Ga. This area    of Walton County has a clay loam soil type with rainfall that varies    between 30″ and 60″ annually. This particular area is located in    USDA Hardiness Zone 7.-   Size and growth rate: The original tree, age 5 years measured 6.25″    caliper at 12″ above the ground. The height of 24′ and spread of 13′    provides a 1.85 height to width ratio. Average growth rate is    between 1.00″ to 1.25″ per year.-   Foliage: Typical of the species, alternate, simple, evergreen until    spring, lanceolate, elliptic to oblanceolate, obovate, or    oblong-obovate, 1.25″ to 4″ long ½″ to 1.25″ wide, acute or obtuse,    usually with a bristle-tip, cuneate or obtuse at base. Mature    foliage is lustrous dark green above like (RHS 137A) and lighter    green below like (RHS 137C). The fall color is a russet red like    (RHS N167B). The petiole is 0.25″ long, yellowish like (RHS 10B).-   Buds: Imbricate, shiny greyed purple like (RHS 183D) 1/8″ to ¼″ long    essentially glabrous, small for oak buds.-   Flowers: Typical of species. Flowers are borne in clustered catkins    in March and April, usually lasting for 10 to 14 days.-   Fruit: Typical of the species being short-stalked (virtually    sessile), the nut subglobose to ovoid about ¼″ in both diameter and    length and brown in color like (RHS 200B) and enclosed 1/4″ by the    saucer-shaped cap which is grey-brown like (RHS 199B).-   Trunk: Typical of the species. The bark is initially smooth, and    brown like (RHS N200B), becoming darker with maturity.-   Branching: Slightly ascending to nearly horizontal at the base,    emerging at 80-90 degrees from the trunk. Upper branches are more    ascending, emerging at 45 degrees or more from the trunk. Color is    brown like (RHS 200B).-   Shape: Compact, pyramidal with dense branching and dominant central    leader.-   Root system: Fibrous.-   Vigor: The initially discovered tree has averaged between 1.0″ to    1.25″ in caliper per year. The root development from time of    softwood cuttings to a finished rooted 3½″ pot is five to seven    weeks.-   Disease: Free from disease.-   Pests: Displays spider mite resistance but does show signs of mild    leaf hopper damage.

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Laurel oak treenamed “QHMTF” substantially as herein shown, illustrated and described,characterized particularly as to novelty by its compact habit with densecanopy, vigorous growth rate, shiny rich dark green foliage in summer,and semi-evergreen holding leaves until spring.